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We’ve had an idea that the Audi RS 7 Sportback would be heading to the
United States for a while now, but Audi has finally delivered
confirmation. As part of an RS model expansion, Audi’s fastest
four-door coupe is making its debut at this week’s Detroit Auto
Show.

While the RS 7 shares the same basic twin-turbo,
4.0-liter V-8 engine with the Audi S8, output is increased to 560 horsepower
and 516 pound-feet of torque, a gain of 40 horsepower and 35
pound-feet of torque over the S8.

Thanks to the engine’s exhaust routing (inside the cylinder
banks, where the turbos are located), the turbos spool up very
quickly to virtually eliminate lag. While peak power comes
between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, peak torque is available from just
1,750 rpm.

An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission sends torque to the
standard quattro all-wheel drive, and the RS 7 is capable
of delivering a run from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds.
Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, although a
“Dynamic Package” can raise this to 174 mph and a “Dynamic
Package Plus” can increase it to 190 mph.

Despite the RS 7’s impressive performance, Audi says the car can
return fuel economy numbers (in European cycle testing) of up to
24 mpg. It achieves this via the use of start/stop technology and
cylinder deactivation, something Audi calls “Cylinder on Demand”
(COD).

Customers can choose from an air suspension that lowers ride
height by 0.79 inches at speed and includes adaptive damping for
the ultimate in ride control, or a more conventional sport
suspension that uses steel springs and linked, three-stage
adjustable dampers.

Standard 20-inch forged aluminum wheels cover 15.35-inch front
brake rotors, clamped by six-piston calipers. If you’re the “more
is better” type, you can opt for 21-inch cast wheels and even
carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Standard brakes are available with
either black or red calipers, while carbon-ceramic binders get
gray calipers.

To save weight, the RS 7’s body is built from a mix of aluminum,
high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel. Setting it
apart from the S7, the RS 7 wears unique front and rear bumpers,
a gloss black honeycomb grille, a power-extending rear spoiler, a
rear diffuser and elliptical tailpipes.

Ten exterior colors are available, including the optional matte
finish Daytona Gray. Available matte aluminum and carbon styling
packages allow for further personalization, and carbon package
cars get a restyled front splitter and diffuser. Carbon fiber
mirror caps are also an available option.

Inside, sport seats are wrapped in black Alcantara and leather,
stitched in a diamond-quilted pattern. If you’d prefer solid
leather, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather (in black or silver)
is an available option, and a black or silver Alcantara headliner
can be ordered to match.

Carbon fiber trim is standard in the cabin, though other
materials are available if the buyer prefers. If you’re not fond
of the options Audi has listed on its build sheet, further
personalization is available through the Audi Exclusive
Program.

As you’d expect of a car positioned atop Audi’s range, the list
of standard features is lengthy, including such things as HID
headlights, Audi’s parking system plus, tri-zone climate control
and an Audi-developed audio system. Key options include a
heads-up display, a comfort package, a Bang & Olufsen audio
system and the previously-mentioned Dynamic and Dynamic Plus
packages.

We’ll bring you details on pricing and availability closer to the
RS 7’s launch.